Traveler

Science seems to be greatly misunderstood by certain elements in our upcoming generation. For your benefit I will be specific. All preferences are controlled and monitored by and through the cortex areas of the brain – this includes sexual preferences. Much of the brain’s operations have been mapped for decades and yet, despite all the actual science, the American Psychiatric Association in 1973 declared that same sex relations were not an “mental condition”. This was done without a single scientific reference. It was this declaration upon which it was determined that (by congressional) law that sexual preferences were not to be treated. It has long been proven through science research that the cortex oversees learned behaviors – much of this research goes all the way back to Pavlov’s dog and the research done by Skinner. Not only do we know (scientifically) that the cortex behaviors are learned but also that the executive functions of the cortex are not fully developed until age 25. This means that all preferences or any behaviors controlled by the cortex are not innate and learned but also that an individual is incapable of exercising executive functions to determine on their own. I honestly think the above paragraph is a bunch of bunk. There has never been a time on this planet when wealth was more evenly spread and available to the populus than this current modern era – especially here in the USA (Where even the poor on welfare live better – with better amenities and health care than the Pharaohs of Egypt) – and as well in other western cultures. The same is true of racism. The western civilizations are more open to race than any historical civilization or any where else. As far as materialism – that is a construct of all civilization. Eliminate materialism and you will eliminate civilization. As for capitalism – there are no records of any civilization more advanced and freer. This does not mean that there are no quarks or improvements to be incorporated into capitalism. I have posted previously that compound interest is the number 1 division of economic class (all class division?) in today’s society – and compound interest is a left-over construct of something invented long before any experiments in capitalism. I believe we can solve 95% of our your concerns with capitalism by eliminating compound interest. And regardless of what system you may favor as long as there is any employment of compound interest, the result will be just as bad or much worse – there will be no improvement. The Traveler

The fallen state of mortality is also a state of misery. Yet few are willing to give up this life of misery just because they do not know that much about joy - especially the joys of living according to the laws, ordinances and covenants of G-d. I do enjoy our conversations - but before you consider certain extensions of thought – those that are willing to sacrifice a broken heart and contrite spirit understand that we will remain miserable until the resurrection. It is by faith in Christ and the joy of resurrection that we can experience parts of joy and have faith in the fullness of joy. The Traveler

Science (scientific data) clearly indicates that preferences (including sexual preferences) are learned or acquired (not innate). The scientific understanding (definition) of intelligence is the ability to learn and alter projected outcomes. One could say that many species become extinct because of their inability to adapt to changing circumstances. I am some what dumfounded that as much as modern society has taught us and as intelligent as we think we are about evolution and survival of the fittest that there is a growing number of individuals hell bent on ending their own genetic intelligence by refusing to pass their genetics on to a next generation to accommodate their momentary pleasure. The essence of personal genetic suicide. I am also puzzled by those that so disdain the genetics of those committing genetic suicide that they feel inclined to encourage them. But then, perhaps it is best to eliminate certain such intelligence from the gene pool? The Traveler

I have reason to believe that it is not unlikely for a person to die and not realize that they have passed on. As we begin to navigate our next estate, we will learn through the experience what has happened to us. I am quite sure that our next estate is not so different from our current mortal estate that we will immediately realize much of anything. I believe it is possible that we will recognize others that have preceded us in death that will help in the transition and will explain many helpful things. I am also of the impression that Jesus, as a resurrected glorified being, is not a resident of our next spiritual existence. The Traveler

Greetings @Ironhold : I appreciate your input. I also go out of my way to read @Vort ‘s posts. I believe that there is no such thing as a handicap – mentally or physically. I believe we each come into this life with a purpose and destiny. We are preparing to be G-ds. To highlight what I am referencing, I would point to the final page of the Book of Mormon. Many LDS think all that this last chapter and words can be summarized in the first few verses ending with verse 5. These verses are certainly a favorite of missionaries but there is, what I believe, is a greater gem starting with verse 6 and continuing to the very end of the Book of Mormon. Note how often the phrase “I would exhort you” is used. Note that we all are “gifted”. We are all expert and exceptionally gifted and belong to an advanced and gifted class – not just to that which is here on this planet of earth but in the eternities of this vast universe. We humans are the elites of the universe. Note that everyone is gifted with spiritual gifts and that everyone can benefit from each and every gift that every individual in humanity is given. Finally note how one becomes “perfected” in Christ. There is a saying that, “No one is perfect”. This is not true and it denies the Christ through who all things are made perfect through His grace by being “sanctified” in Christ through repentance and remission of our sins (verse 33). I submit that the greatest desirable genius gift is available to all that seek perfection in Christ. The Traveler

I grew up in a family of high achievers. My father was a workaholic. My oldest brother is a genius with a photographic memory. I am the least achiever of my family; I thought every family was like mine but discovered that my family was extremely rare. In most families I would be considered an overachiever. There were a few things I learned that I am thinking I ought to pass on. If something is not worth doing well – it is not worth doing. It is better to do a few things extremely well than to do a mountain of things poorly. Consider the scripture Mosiah 4:27 My last suggestion is that at the beginning of each day – go in prayer before your G-d present a detailed plan to accomplish all you need to do and how you plan to accomplish everything. Ask for His help and assistance. At the end of each day go again to your G-d in prayer with a detailed report of what you did. If something was undone – present it. If something was not done well – report it and explain why. For all the things that were completed – explain it and how you felt you did (good, well, okay, barely or poorly). As you do this G-d will inspire you to prioritize your next day. It may happen that there are days that you need to prioritize your work, other days your church callings, other days your family and some days things for you. We see such prioritizing of things in the Book of Mormon. There may be times of war where you do not even see your family for extended periods, even with your family your single highest priority. I believe it is important to not go through life alone. Consult often with your wife and keep her in the loop. Shair your sacrifices, efforts, dreams and accomplishments together. If you feel so, consult with your priesthood leaders (ministers, quorum members, quorum leaders, bishop and perhaps even Stake leaders.) The Traveler

I can say in all honesty that I do not know the purposes of Seer Stones or the Urim and Thummim nor do I have understanding of their differences. I have personally known a seer and asked them – they did not give me an answer. I suspect and speculate that both the Seer Stone and Urim and Thummim were used at different times and for different reasons to complete the translation of the Book of Mormon. I speculate that it is somewhat like a screwdriver and pliers. Each have their purpose. The Urim and Thummim was specifically provided for the translation of the Book of Mormon. Who know what else it is capable of providing? Seer Stones have their own purpose and are given for many things – including things related to scripture as well as covenants, ordinances and laws. Another sacred instrument was the Liahona. Though these devices operated as tools for various purposes – they all are subject to operation through covenant. I have speculated that as a seer becomes experienced in their craft and unique covenant – that such devices tend to become unnecessary. The Traveler

Greetings @Gecko45 . Welcome to the forum. I am excited about your post and hope to see many more – in addition, I am looking forward to your input on a great range of other topics. I also thank you for fulfilling an honorable mission. Let’s take a look at your questions. I do not know that I can answer all your concerns, but I will share my understandings. Question 1. I have pondered the building of the temple in Jerusalem. I cannot say that I know how this will come about. I speculate that among the possibilities there is a possibility that Melchizedek (the king of Salem) that like the city of Enoch was taken up (translated) to a higher state and will return according to prophesy as part of the reign of the Messiah. Including the prophesied temple as recorded in Ezekiel. Regardless, the temple in Jerusalem will be built by the command of G-d when He sees fit to fulfill his prophecy. If we speculate how this is possible – please realize that speculation is not revelation – though it can be an engine of revelation. Question 2. It is my understanding that all the house of Israel will go through great difficulties in the “last days” prior to the return of the Messiah. The prophecies concerning the gathering of Israel do indeed include the Jews. Jesus warned that those that covenant with G-d will be at odds with the world. Though there has been a “Great Apostasy” the Jews do maintain some roots of their covenants (as prophesied in the Book of Mormon – fig tree). I personally believe that historically the Jews have better maintained their laws, ordinances and covenant much better than Traditional Christians. Question 3. I believe that those that turn from covenants are far more children of darkness than the world in general that have not covenanted with G-d. Indeed, even in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it has been the apostates that have sought the greatest harm against the covenant children of G-d. It was the LDS apostates that most sought and triggered the expulsion of the LDS from Kirkland, Missouri and Nauvoo. The extermination order of Missouri was supported mostly by apostate LDS. I have personal theories about why those most knowledgeable of the things of G-d are also the most sought after by Satan and his angles of darkness. I believe this is in part because all things evil are a corrupted copy of all things righteous and the order of G-d. I would say that you ought not to trouble yourself about those that corrupt the laws, ordinances and covenants of G-d. Seek first the laws, ordinances and covenants of G-d and all things will be given as needed. The Traveler

I do not understand your point – if something fits why do you imply it had to be forced in order to fit? I pointed this out because I believe it is an example of an Egyptian literary format. There are hundreds of Egyptian influences in the texts of the Book of Mormon – all of which were not known in our modern era when Joseph Smith Jr. provided a translation of the plates. There are also ancient Hebrew literary formats that were unrecognized at that time. If you have researched the classic Egyptian Colophon and you think there is not a good fit – would you please state, why? I would be interested in how you arrived at such a conclusion. The Traveler

It does not manner what is going on anywhere else – the critical point concerns what is the circumstance where we are standing. This discussion somewhat proves my very point. There are many excuses and diversions. Truth is simple or difficult all in what we want to make of it. The Traveler

I can only speak for myself. I cannot speak for anything that someone else says they have experienced. My first spiritual encounter and revelation came when I was 8 years old. In all my years since I have never encountered anything spiritual that has been contradictory or confusing in relation to any other spiritual experience I have ever had. All my doubts, misunderstandings, confusion and misdirection have always been of my own fault and making. I am also keenly aware that there are dark spirits that intend to influence our understanding of just about everything. Though it seems obvious to me that there are great and unmistakable differences between those spirits of light verses those of darkness, never-the-less some question what I find obvious. I am unable to explain anything that is spiritual to anyone that cannot distinguish spiritual things for themselves. I have attempted logic only to discover that logic is often only what someone wants it to be. I am convinced that if someone wants to believe that it is midnight – I can be standing in the bright light of noon day and they will still declare it midnight while they are squinting and hiding their eyes. The Traveler

My father was an insurance agent. I was taught well. I have earthquake insurance on my home. The costs for insurance can vary depending on where in the Salt Lake Valley one lives – also the lost risk purchased. I personally only cover for catastrophic losses with the most deductible allowed. I do not purchase replacement reimbursement coverage. I purchase a specific amount for a total loss. I also maintain salvage rights. I have my reasons for what I purchase and realize that very few understand or desire minimum risk-based insurance coverage. As a side note, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is self-insured for their structures. Something else very few realize is that purchasing for loss due to war or civil uprising is not offered anywhere. Pending on one’s policy - loss because of civil protests is a fringe coverage that insurance companies can deny depending on circumstance. This kind of upsets me a bit because this is not clearly understood. I am of the mind that a property owner in a free country should have the right to protect their property with lethal force. I also think more of our society would agree with me if they understood how their state government can affect their insurance coverage. The Traveler

I do not know how the rest of you feel but listening to the news (whatever channel or political favor) – it sure does not seem that anybody knows anything worthwhile or accurate to say. Sometimes I think that insurance companies seem to know the most about what is going on and act accordingly. State Farm is the largest home insurer in the nation and pulled out of doing business in California last July. They still have some homes insured because the paid term (year) has not expired. Other insurers have pulled out as well claiming that the risk is too high for allowed premiums regulated through the California insurance commission. I understand that Florida has a similar insurance problem - Perhaps @LDSGator can give us some insights concerning Florida. I understand that many do not like insurance companies and think that insurance make too much profit. However, companies like State Farm are Mutuals and profits are regulated similar (but not so much) to utilities. Mutuals must provide risk information – open to the public. The Traveler

I believe that it is possible to both forgive and demand the full extent of justice. The Traveler

It does not matter how it is served. Revenge is a dish full of poison that kills everyone willing to serve or partake of it. The Traveler

I was in the military (army) during the Vietnam conflict. It was not a war because our congress never declared it so. I was a friend of a good LDS fellow that suffered nightmares and other problems because he shot and killed a 5 year old boy that was rigged with deadly explosives running towards him and others. We call this PTSD and he was never able to reconcile this and other experiences he had in Vietnam. Eventually he took his own life. I have known many that experienced combat. I do not know anyone that personally benefited from the experience of killing – even in a time of war. There is a terrible price of war. Even those heroes that win for country pay a price no person should experience. They are especially vulnerable to criticism. The better person the more vulnerable they are. Growing up in my generation – few had respect for those in the military. I have absolutely no respect for those that criticize anyone that has experienced orders to put their own life on the line in combat that have no military experience. There is no reason to demonize Israel or Palestine. Those caught in the rigors of war conflict should be forgiven. But when necessary – those caught in the rigors of war need to be encouraged to stop the spreading death – especially if they find any joy or elation in it. Sometimes extreme measures are necessary to stop the spreading of death (thought it may appear to be spreading death as well). Regardless no one will benefit. I am convinced that Satan loves war – especially because of how it effects the righteous. The Traveler

Thank you for your input. I consider sadness, concern, fear, worry or other such emotions as temporary and not real or realistic. Mostly, such things - after enough time - I find somewhat humorous. I find little or no logic in being controlled by things that are temporary and fleeting. It is not that I have never experienced emotions, just at this point of my life I see no logic in allowing such things to control me. Not my thoughts nor actions. Whenever I have done so – it has always brought me embarrassment. Why continue to toucher myself with such things? I see no benefit in it. The Traveler

When I was very young, I was capable of crying (weeping, mourning and other emotions) for many things that I experienced. At this point of my life, I only experience such things, not as emotions inside of me but rather when I am having a spiritual experience beyond my personal abilities. The Traveler

Could you explain? I define our mortal experience as finished when we are raised to immorality and death (both physical and spiritual) is no longer in effect. In essence the term mortal implies all that takes place to prepare and complete (resolve) a physical experience. Alma tells us the even after death there must be a time of preparation for resurrection. Resurrection that I believe completes or end the mortal experience. The Traveler

I apologize for not responding sooner. It is obvious to me that in this mortal life we have only enough information to shape general ideas. You are correct. On the surface it does appear that the ultimate responsibility for all things – good and bad – can only occur under the intelligence and direction of our Father in Heaven. It also seem obvious to me that in our little corner of this vast universe – we live under very intricately stacked circumstances. Perhaps even more so for the spiritual things over which we have no empirical means to scrutinize. I will propose that our Father in Heaven is unable to redeem the sins from the fall of his covenant children. In essence there are some things impossible for G-d because in his presents that is no allowance for sin. But I assume our Father in Heaven is intelligent enough to devise a way and means that a Plan of Salvation could occur. This is what I have been able to surmise so far. First: The fall and execution of man’s mortal experience to come to an understanding of good and evil is required to take place beyond the presents of our Father in Heaven in order that the elements of evil can be learned by experience. Second: A real experience of evil – of necessity must include the experience of Death. Both physical death and spiritual death. But this experience of death must be out of agency and choice of the individual – G-d will not force such on anyone. To do so would be an act of evil. This singular point answers for me why Lucifer’s exception turned him from a being of light to a slave of darkness. Third: The only method to make a mortal experience real and work properly two things are a must: The first thing is that an iron clad escape plan has to be in place to mitigate for all the sins. The second thing is that an element of ignorance must be so that there is an element of innocence in all such sins. In other words, as Jesus once said – those involved really do not know what they are doing. The iron clad escape plan required a Messiah (Christ) that would oversee and be in charge (responsible) for the implementation of the entire plan. They would grant agency in order to put the plan into effect, provide an environment for all to experience the plan of salvation and then fulfill every tiny bit of justice (suffering and death) to redeem all the sins of the somewhat ignorant living by faith (not pure knowledge). This is – as near as I have been able to project – the only way and means by witch I believe the covenant children of G-d our Father would be able to partake of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil and then partake of the tree of eternal life and be exalted through the atonement (Kippur) of Christ and their repentance – all of which comes to a competition or finality when each individual comes before G-d the Father to make an accounting to insure all things were completed according to each’s agency. I welcome questions and any input by all that wish to explore why Christ and only Christ is able to redeem us and fulfill ever whit of justice. The Traveler

Your post is something I really want to pursue because I do not understand what you are saying: I seem to have a very different concept of Justice than what you seem to be implying. My understanding of justice correlates with our second Article of Faith. That everyone is punished for their own sins and not for anyone else’s transgressions. I can understand mercy to forgive someone of something that they owe but the demands of justice are such that justice can only be fulfilled by someone entangled in the responsibility. The Traveler

Thanks for your input. Just a question – do you not have emotions involved in your children? The Traveler

There may be and even ought to be better ways to convey how justice is fulfilled through the Atonement (Kippur) of Christ. The primary reason I put this before the forum is to discuss how this can be properly understood. There are no variables in that the end was known from the beginning. In my profession – testing was the most important element in achieving the intended result. It was not a matter of acceptance or rejection as much as it was a determination of what was necessary to produce exactly the intended result. The final testing, of necessity, required all elements in a real actual operation of all possibilities demonstrating preciously the capabilities of each isolatable piece as well as the entire system under all possible conditions. In addition, there was a great deal of adnominally testing that would reveal what would happen to the system with component failure. Overseeing all this testing was a hierarchical structure of cognitive engineers. The lead engineer having cognitive responsibility of the entire project. I would project that our mortal experience is the final testing – not just of the intended project but of the cognitive engineers. Perhaps a better term is that Jesus is the lead cognitive G-d responsible for implementing the Great Plan of Salvation. That Jesus is responsible for each individual. There seems to be an entanglement similar to quantum entanglement that binds us each to Christ. The binding entanglement would be the love of Christ. It is by and through Christ that we are given the power of agency. I agree that Jesus did not commit a fault or breech of duty but as the proctor of our agency – like a parent he has responsibility for us. But there are two sides to this coin – He is also the proctor of our exaltation and shares in our successes. In deed we are entangled and are one. The Traveler

Using the Eden epoch and applying what we know to responsible parenting. Let’s say that you have a friend with a garden on their property. But in the garden is a poisonous viper. Your friend knows well about the viper. He know that the viper is extremely territorial and aggressive. The viper will attack anything that moves in the garden. So, your friend allows two of his very young and inexperienced children into the garden to play because it is something they have wanted so badly to play there – and yet the children were allowed to go play without even a single word of warning about the viper. The children end up being bitten by the viper and die. But your friend is not at all culpable because they desired and choose to play in the garden. Would you drop off your kids at such a friend’s place while you went on a vacation with your wife for a couple of weeks? Or would you think twice – thinking you would want your children with someone more responsible? In case you are wondering – there is a lot more to the story. But the part I have provided illustrates the point that there is culpability (or responsibility) when someone knows in advance with is going to happen, but they allow it to happen anyway. Justice cannot allow one person to suffer for anyone else unless somehow there is some culpability. We can say that taking on the consequences of other’s actions is kind and merciful, but it cannot be argued that it is just. G-d by all we understand, is a just G-d. Right? I think from the very beginning - Christ took upon a lot of responsibility (culpability) for the sins connected to the fall of Adam and Eve. Christ intended to redeem man from the beginning. The Traveler

There is a point I think many miss – I will use the Eden epoch as an example. The question concerns if G-d has any culpability in the fall of man (Adam and Eve). There are a number of reasons for concern. First. G-d knew exactly what would happen in Eden if Satan was allowed to beguile Eve. Why did G-d knowingly allow Satan to beguile Eve? Second. If G-d knew in advance what would happen but allows it anyway why does He not share any of the blame? My point is – that G-d (Jehovah) does indeed have culpability and answered to the blame by becoming flesh and answering (paying for or redeeming) for all the sins of the fall and because of the fall. I have argued this point in the theater of religion – including Christians (and LDS). That Jesus Christ justly paid (redeemed) all of the sins connected to the fall of man. And is the only possibility for a just redemption of sins. I believe that only the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints allows this understanding. The Traveler